(March 16, 2023) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), held a hearing on House Bill 2264. The legislation enacts the No Patient Left Alone Act to allow in-person visitation to certain patients at hospitals, adult care homes and hospice facilities.
Proponents:
- John Eplee, MD, (R-Atchison)
- Rachel Monger, Leading Age Kansas
Written Testimony:
Opponents:
- Lauren Schiffman, citizen
- Debbie Mize, Kansans for Health Freedom
- Carol Daunis, Precinct Committee Woman
Written Testimony from citizens:
- William Mize
- Susan Cary
- Rita Hoffman
- Rachel Price
- Pam Vetter
- Kari Sue Vosburgh
- Carisa McMullen
- Brett Anderson
- Beth Regehr
- Jill O'Connor
- Debbie Detmer
- Dave Losey
- Vicki Vetter-Scruggs
- Richard Mullen
- Mei Upsdell
- Joyce Whittier
- Jared Shiffman
After receiving additional information from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the committee took final action on House Bill 2390.
The committee made an amendment to gut the bill and instead mirror the language from the maternal death review bill allowing the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to study overdose deaths providing for the confidentiality of acquired and complied records.
Sen. Chase Blasi (R-Wichita) proposed a substitute motion to include the legalization of fentanyl strips. The substitute amendment failed on a vote of 4-5.
After running out of time, the committee will continue working House Bill 2390 on Friday, March 17.